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Recipe || Pumpkin Spiced Cookies

~ livinongraceandgrits ~ 4 Comments

Fall is full of flavors in our home, most of them orange and pumpkin-y in character; so, it’s only a matter of time before something predictably spicy accompanies that seasonal delight. My lovely friend, who shares my affinity for all things autumn and edible, first introduced me to these little bites of goodness and I have made them and subsequently devoured them, more times then I care to admit to since that day. They are soft , fluffy, cakey in texture and delightfully spicy- making them a dangerously delicious combination in the holiday cookie department. You’ve been warned-now grab your apron, channel Martha, and lets bake!

~Pumpkin Spiced Cookies~

1 cup sugar

½ cup butter softened

3 eggs

1 ½ cups of canned pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups flour

4tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

4 tsp of pumpkin pie spice

~Cinnamon Nutmeg Cream Cheese Frosting~

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

½ cup butter softened

¼ cup vegetable shortening

8 oz. of cream cheese at room temperature

3 tsp pure vanilla

1tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Frosting Instructions

  1. In stand mixer, with whisk attachment, cream the butter, shortening, cream cheese, vanilla until fluffy and blended
  2. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg
  3. Gradually incorporate the powder sugar until everything is blended, smooth, and fluffy

  1. In stand mixer, with paddle attachment, combine sugar and butter until creamed and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin, mix thoroughly
  3. Sift flour, powder, salt and pumpkin spices together and fold into wet batter
  4. Mix on low speed until well blended
  5. Pipe batter into equal portions or drop cookie dollops onto the baking sheet (I like to use parchment paper or a silpat mat to prevent sticking and help with an even bake)
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 12minutes
  7. Remove cookies from pan to cooling rack
  8. Once completely cooled, frost tops liberally by either piping the buttercream onto the cookies or slathering them generously with a spatula. They taste scrumptious regardless~trust me!

 

 

 

 

a letter to my little

~ livinongraceandgrits ~ 2 Comments

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To our darling blessing,

you should know by now that you are the apple of my eye, the smile in my day, the laughter in my heart. you were prayed for, anticipated, and desired far beyond anything in my life ever has been and yet I feel as though I can’t remember a time without you. memories of these early days with you will forever be etched upon the pages of our story and I desire to soak up every silly second. your sweet dimpled fingers, eager eyes, and delighted smiles captivate me every time, never fails.

everyday I see you soak up the surroundings of our life, the people, the places, the things we encounter and while I’m excited to watch you learn and grow, my momma heart wants to keep you my little squish forever. the stages arrive and depart all too quickly and I often feel I’m scrabbling to keep up, a sensation I don’t see passing with time, but rather amplifying with each milestone. as you grow, there are a few things I hope you glean from your father and I, if not by our example, for we are far from perfect, by our admonition.

always, always, always choose kindness. it won’t be easy, but the world needs more of it and we must all make a choice between what is right and what is easy. I hope that you learn relationships are far more important then things, and that the ability to empathize with another human being is one of the greatest gifts and comforts. ambition is what you will need to make a difference, but never doubt your heart, do what you love and have passion for it. be hopeful and show courage my boy, for the power of creation is in you. don’t be discouraged in difficult times, but rather tell your mountain about your God. work hard, but play harder, life is meant to be joyful. live humbly. “speak softly and carry a big stick”. know that forgiveness is not weakness, but rather freedom to love. hold those you cherish close to you, linger on the couch, and cancel your evening plans to be in their presence. never hold back your affection for the ones you love, respect your wife, and remember chivalry is not dead. and finally, most importantly, seek a relationship with your maker, because your faith in Him is foremost in creating any life worth living.

never settle. never give up. never grow up, not really my love. never lose your child-like wonder, your enthusiasm for adventure, and your joy for life. don’t just fly darling, spread your wings and soar!

Your first love,

Mom

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